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Valdespin's homer sets Mets' offensive tone

Harvey allows solo shot in two innings in first Grapefruit League start

By Brian McTaggart

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Astros rallied from a five-run deficit and forced a 7-7 tie with the Mets on Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

Jordany Valdespin's two-run homer in the third inning off Jose Veras broke a 1-1 tie, and the Mets scored three more times in the fourth against Brad Peacock to break the game open, highlighted by Josh Satin's two-run double.

Mets starter Matt Harvey threw 39 pitches in two innings of working, walking one batter and allowing a homer to Fernando Martinez in the second inning. Astros starter Bud Norris worked two innings in his first spring start and gave up a first-inning double to Collin Cowgill and a solo homer to Jamie Hoffmann.

"I'm just out there trying to work on some things," said Norris, who threw 28 pitches. "It's nice to have quicker innings. Those are very beneficial. I was out there working on keeping the ball down in the zone. Your first time out there in spring might be a little erratic, because you're trying to get your bearings."

Astros catcher Jason Castro lined a 3-1 pitch over the right-field wall with one out in the fifth to cut the Mets' lead to 6-3. Brett Wallace added a two-run, two-out single in the fifth inning to make it 6-5, and pinch-runner Delino DeShields Jr. scored on a wild pitch later in the inning to tie the game.

Up next: David Wright will start at third base when the Mets return home to face the Washington Nationals on Monday at 6:10 p.m. ET on MLB.TV and Gameday Audio, with Collin McHugh getting the start. Also scheduled to throw for the Mets are Gonzalez Germen, Scott Rice, Elvin Ramirez and Greg Burke. The Mets are looking to give Wright extra at-bats before he leaves next week to play in the World Baseball Classic.